Need some advice on what controller to order

[SgtSlaughter]

I'm going to be starting my project soon (hopefully).  I've been researching this on and off for over a year now.   I wouldn't say I'm a hardcore arcade guy, but at the same time I want to have the most versitility with whatever choice I go with.

I thought I was sold on the Ultimarc UltraStik 360 as I liked the idea of it switching between 4 and 8 way automatically.  Although I've read that it has some centering issues that I'm a little worried about.  Also I'm planning on using the LED-Wiz, so I'm not sure I should even pick a stik that is USB as I'm not sure if that would cause any issues by using the buttons on the LEDWiz instead of through the Joystick USB module (although I think you can map them regardless).

I also heard the Mag Stik Plus is pretty good, which definetly looks like an option...

Thanks in Advance guys, I appologize if this is a reoccuring post, I have read most but still have trouble deciding.  If the centering issue has been fixed on the Ultrastick I'll probably get them...  Against since I'm not really a hardcore arcade gamer I figure with regards to how the sticks feel I can probably get used to anything.

Thanks in advance!

[severdhed]

i dont have alot of experience with many different kinds of controls, however i have used a few.  i have an x-arcade unit that gutted and used in my own panel...i wouldn't reccomend doing that.  my friend has an ipac4 with happ competition sticks and happ buttons, as well as an ultimarc Jstick for 4way games.  his controls all feel great, and the ipac was easy to work wih.

i recently placed an order with divemaster for two u360 sticks and a bunch of happ buttons....that was on the 31st, so I dont have them yet to post an opinion of them, but from what i have read, you cant beat them.. yeah a few people have had some minor problems, but from what i have read,  Ultimarc provides customer service that is above and beyond what most companies do.

as for the magsticks...do some searching, just about everyone here who has bought magstiks says that they are stiff with a short throw, and while it is nice to have a switchable stick...i beleive most of them have since bought something else.

perhaps they will work well for you, but i suggest you do some looking around.  read reviews and make an educated purchase.    i have been debating on what to buy to replace my x-arcade for nearly 2 years now...i think i made the right choice with the u360s..i guess i'll find out soon enough. 

i have done alot of research on these sticks, and i havent found any cases where someone regretted buying them...i can't say the same for the magstik

[Ginsu Victim]

I thought I was sold on the Ultimarc UltraStik 360 as I liked the idea of it switching between 4 and 8 way automatically.  Although I've read that it has some centering issues that I'm a little worried about.
If the centering issue has been fixed on the Ultrastick I'll probably get them...

Some people have blown this way out of proportion. There is absolutely NOTHING to worry about. The U360 is awesome. Period. If you buy it, you will not regret it.

[Franco B]

I think you are getting the LED Wiz confused with the KeyWiz (or perhaps the GP Wiz).

The LED Wiz is an output controller deisigned to control LEDs and other devices.

The KeyWiz is a keyboard encoder and the GP Wiz is a keyboard encoder, these are what you connect your buttons etc too.

I know its easy to get confused with all the Wiz'iness!


As far as the U360 vs Magstick goes, I havent heard a bad thing about the U360s where as I have heard a few complaints about the Magsticks being too stiff.
 

[tommyinajar]

I love the solid feel of the magstick. I can't see it being to stiff mounted to a cab's cp. The best and only way for you to decide is try each one, & see which one you like better, and sell the other on Ebay. Ultimarc stuff ALWAYS sells on there for about retail.

[SgtSlaughter]

I think I'll probably end up going with the U360's.  Just needed someone to twist my arm.  The LED Wiz on this page http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=306 says it has 16 inputs & outputs.  Although I haven't heard much feedback regarding this comparing to an IPac...

I'm starting to get excited about this project... I've ordered the book Saint wrote, although I think I've read over 10 peoples full build projects that had every step by step detail.  I figure extra resources isn't a bad thing to have.  Also I guess it is a small way to contribute towards the site.

[Ginsu Victim]

Ipac / Minipac are great units. So is GGG's KeyWiz.

[Franco B]

I think I'll probably end up going with the U360's.  Just needed someone to twist my arm.  The LED Wiz on this page http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=306 says it has 16 inputs & outputs.  Although I haven't heard much feedback regarding this comparing to an IPac...

I'm starting to get excited about this project... I've ordered the book Saint wrote, although I think I've read over 10 peoples full build projects that had every step by step detail.  I figure extra resources isn't a bad thing to have.  Also I guess it is a small way to contribute towards the site.

Ah your right, I forgot about the LED Wiz+GP. Looks like its me who is confused 

Yeah thats a good choice if you just want to add a couple more buttons over the 8 per stick that the U360 support and if you want to light a few LEDs too.

[SgtSlaughter]

Thanks guys for the input.  I appreciate the quick reponses. 

Franco B I like the 4 player Cab you made.  Just curious how wide is the CP?  I'm thinking of doing something very similar but I really wanted a trackball there as well...